Democrats Impose Irreparable Damage on Colorado’s Agriculture Industry

Last Friday, Colorado House Republicans fought long into the night to defend the agricultural industry against SB21-087, a bill brought forth by metro Democrats.  

The legislation seeks to impose new restrictions and regulations on ag workers and their employees, resulting in much higher costs. One thing about this bill is clear, it will do irreparable damage to Colorado’s agriculture industry.

Most non-corporately owned farms and ranches already operate at the margins. While corporate farms might be able to absorb these new costs, generational family farms will be devastated by this legislation. 

For those farmers and ranchers who are able to survive, increased production costs will be passed on to the consumer. Even after a year of economic hardship, Colorado Democrats have had no issue continuing to raise the cost of living with increased costs on gas, delivery services, utilities, insurance premiums, and now food. Colorado farmers and consumers cannot afford this. 

The House Republican Caucus is honored to have members of the agricultural community, who tirelessly serve our great state as legislators and stand up for rural Colorado. During the debate, they provided personal testimony on the extensive impacts.